When the Subconscious Blocks the Dreamscape: The Keyword Technique for Moving Through Resistance
One of the most common fears for practitioners—is the moment when… nothing arises.
The client closes their eyes, drops into trance, and when asked what they’re noticing, they answer with hesitation:
"Nothing really."
"I’m just not experiencing anything"“
If you’re a facilitator, this can feel like a dead end. But more often than not, it’s actually a threshold.
The Logical Mind’s Last Stand
In a recent session, I guided a client into deep relaxation using the usual IDT induction. I invited them to notice what was present: sensations, images, feelings, even colors or textures. The response? Silence. Then, “ I’m just not really seeing anything.” I could tell their analytical mind was on high alert, likely scanning for a “right” answer.
Rather than push, I softened. I used a key word from their induction and continued in the following way
“That's okay.” - I said
”Just go ahead and breathe in and breathe out.
Settle in, and allow the edges of your current awareness to begin to soften.
Breath expanding through your chest.
Just notice where in your body you sense that breath the most.
As the breath expands gently through your chest, imagine this:
An image that stands for courage.
What's the very first thing that comes to mind?”
This simple pivot was enough to open the gate.
From Blank Space to Sky
Moments later, she said a name out loud: Amelia Earhart
She saw a woman flying a plane, free and fearless. The sky was “clear, sunny,” and the sensation of joy came rushing in. We continued exploring the scene as we would with any IDT session. The image took on a life of its own—becoming not just a scene, but a mirror. Amelia became a stand-in for the version of self my client had forgotten: brave, purposeful, alive.
What “Nothing” Often Means
When a client says “nothing,” it sometimes means:
Their expectations are too rigid.
Their logical mind is trying to lead.
They’re in a transition point—between awareness and insight.
This is where we, as facilitators, earn our stripes. We don’t push. We pivot. We lean into breath. Into body. Into curiosity. We trust that even silence speaks.
The Keyword Technique
In this case, I echoed a single key word, and asked her to imagine “courage” blooming in that space. A countdown deepened could have been incorporated here as well, but this case didn’t require it. That led to the imagery of flight, of freedom, and ultimately of fearlessness—which became the golden thread for the rest of the session.
What emerged was a powerful metaphor of flying through one’s own storm, choosing direction, and remembering that strength isn’t just surviving turbulence—it’s piloting through it.
The Reframe: Nothing Is Something
What looks like nothing on the surface is often a blank canvas waiting for the right stroke.
Sometimes we think the session isn’t “working” until the images become vivid. But in truth, the moment a client acknowledges the stillness, or breathes into their body, or responds with “I don’t know,” they’re already doing the work. The subconscious is listening. Preparing. Aligning.
And then—suddenly—it speaks.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you find yourself drawn to this work and want to understand how to guide others through powerful, transformational sessions—explore our Practitioner Training Program. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your skill set, this training is designed to support you in becoming a confident, intuitive facilitator.
Your journey starts here.